Page 20 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – May/June 2017

AAA
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AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Preplanning is the Key to a Successful Summer Driving Vacation
Successful summer car travel requires significant planning and preparation. Excessive heat and traffic all contribute to auto breakdowns, traveler exhaustion and short tempers. AAA’s automotive programs can eliminate a lot of the stress of summer travel.
Convenient, Dependable Automotive Repair is Just Around the Corner
AAA has over 7,000 certified AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across the U.S. and Canada that
are extensively qualified to check and repair your vehicles. These facilities are inspected annually by AAA for tools, technical training, cleanliness, ASE technician certification and customer service. AAA has established these tough standards to recognize and support repair facilities that provide consistent, high-quality workmanship, and to protect our members. Although non-members do not receive the same benefits as our valued AAA members, they can be as assured as a AAA member that a facility displaying the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign
has met – or exceeded – AAA’s standards and is a reliable repair establishment. Visit AAA.com to find a list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
ASK THE TECH
When winter is over, how should I prepare my car for the rigors of summertime driving?
Perform a vehicle cleaning both inside and out.
The winter can be hard on your vehicle’s interior and exterior. The salt and anti-skid material applied to the roads is very damaging to your vehicle. Spend some time hosing off the undercarriage of your vehicle to remove any dirt or ice-melting chemicals, which can cause rust to start. Apply a fresh coat of wax to protect the paint from the harsh sun and restore the finish. Clean the windows inside and out. Remove all the floor mats and give them a good wash, as they can trap a lot of dirt and debris from walking in the winter’s muck. Finally, vacuum the carpet and clean any heavy dirt off of it by scrubbing it with a good carpet cleaner.
Check your tires. If you had winter tires installed, now is the time to have them exchanged for your summer tires. Check the tire pressures and set them to the vehicle specified pressures listed on the tire information label, which is normally located on door jamb.
Roadside Assistance and Insurance
The last two things to do before you leave are to verify your AAA membership is up to date and check your vehicle insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage for your vacation travel.
If you do have problems on the road with your vehicle this summer, AAA Roadside Assistance personnel can jump start your vehicle, replace your battery with a high-quality AAA battery in limited areas, tow it to an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, unlock your vehicle if you accidentally lock your keys in it, and provide you with fuel if you run out. Please remember that you must have a valid AAA membership card with you. Go to AAA.com for terms, conditions, and costs of the various types of AAA memberships.
In case you do have an accident or have to drive a rental vehicle, call AAA insurance agents to
Guest Writer: Mike Hippensteel
Have your car serviced at an AAA Approved Auto Repair Center (AAR). AAR’s have the knowledge and experience to look for potential problems.
They will inspect and test all fluid levels. The engine air filter and cabin air filters will probably need to be replaced because of the corrosive salt debris. Engine oil and filter will be replaced. All belts and hoses will be inspected for wear and condition. Wiper blades are checked. All lights will have a function check performed. Door hinges will be lubricated. Steering and suspension components will be inspected for wear and damage. The brakes will be inspected for wear. The vehicle battery will be load tested. The air conditioning system will be checked for proper operation. A list of upcoming maintenance services will be provided to you.
Wheel alignment: Winter driving can be hard on your vehicle alignment. It’s easy to bump into hidden curbs and hit deep potholes that can
verify you have enough coverage for the type of driving you will be doing this summer. They offer coverage through different companies at different price ranges, so go to AAA.com for information to receive a quote.
With quality time spent planning and preparing for the summer vacation ahead, you and your family can have fun and make lots of happy memories together.
So plan, prepare – and hit the road this summer! Bruce Phillips
Approved Auto Repair Manager
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cause your vehicle to go out of alignment and cause premature wear on your tires. Proper wheel alignments can also increase your fuel economy.
If you have any questions, talk to the friendly staff at your neighborhood AAR. They are always willing to help keep your car moving in the right direction.
Mike Hippensteel is the owner/operator of Hippensteel’s Auto Inc., a family-run automotive repair facility in Newville, PA since 1970. They are
a AAA Approved Auto Repair and NAPA Autocare facility offering the highest quality automotive repair, performed by ASE certified technicians, with quality NAPA parts.
Now!